Elizabeth Shelton passed away from her life on this earth on September 25, 2016. She was born Helen Elizabeth Spann on October 5, 1929 in Nashville, Tennessee to Bee and Edna Catherin Earls Spann. She was their first born, raised in Charlotte, TN, and succeeded by Norma Jean, Mary Lou, Vera and Verna, Jerry, and Kathy, all of whom survive her. Elizabeth’s family had an interesting history as her mother was essentially an orphan and her father left home when he was eleven. The Spann’s and Earls’ had a long history in Tennessee and North Carolina. Elizabeth attended school through the eighth grade in Charlotte, Tennessee. She married James Ellison Shelton in June 1945. Her children, Jerrell Wilson, James Michael, Jackson Dennis, Regina Carol and John Bee survive her.

Elizabeth was a factory worker, a waitress, a restaurant owner, and a restaurant manager. She did not have an opportunity to travel a great deal, but enjoyed it immensely when she did. Her life was centered around her family. After a reluctant divorce at 29, she boldly moved forward to develop a career with her five children to raise. Elizabeth’s first love was always her family; her mother and father were the guiding lights all the days of their lives.

She met many adversities in her life, but she always faced them head-on. Elizabeth was a strong willed and resilient woman, who despite all odds, lived with dignity, integrity, and a sense of purpose. She was well liked and seemed to be comfortable with people of all classes, origin, races and conditions. She had a profound impact on many.

She loved to laugh and have people around. She was a woman of good will and good cheer; she loved people and always embraced new acquaintances. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was baptized as an adult and attended regularly and enthusiastically until her health would no longer allow her to attend with dignity.

Elizabeth loved the restaurant business and spent most of her life in it. She was self-taught and fiscally responsible. Her mission was to always try to deliver to her customers a pleasant and satisfactory experience, and also to make friends. She was known for her recipes, such as Potato Salad, Carrot Cake, and Italian Crème Cake, which are now fond memories.

In addition to her children and sisters and brother, Elizabeth is survived by her grandchildren Julianne, James, Jamie, Dena and Clifford and her great-granddaughters, Harmony and Heather and great grandson, Leon. Her surviving nieces include Jennimarie Ward, Linda Medley, Renee Scott, Dedra Johnson, Whitney Keebler, Sherry Owens, Mystie Ewald, Rachael Harris, Connie Swang and her surviving nephews Richard Arnold, William Arnold, Paul Hooper, David Larkins, Wesley Foster, Charles Shelton, Philip Shelton, Tommy Shelton, and Steven Shelton along with numerous cousins and several grand nieces and nephews as well as many friends and extended family.

Elizabeth will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 PM on October 15, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Dickson, Tennessee. The Reverend Mike Miller will preside. There will be a reception and visiting with Elizabeth’s family following services at the First Baptist Church.
Services under the direction of the Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson TN, 615-446-2808 TaylorSince1909.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 2501 Hwy 70 East, Dickson,Tennessee 37055

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Comments:

C.N.

#2

October 3rd, 2016 7:01 am

I didn't know Helen but judging by the beautiful obituary, it sounds like she was a uniquely individual. I lost my father 2 years ago and while it hurt, I found peace of mind in God's promises for the future and I try and share this with others in hopes that they can find comfort as well. God promises that we will see our loved ones again at John 5:28,29: 28:

Evelyn Kerby

#1

October 2nd, 2016 6:08 pm

I always loved Elizabeth's smile and friendly personality. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.